Nityanand Charan Das, a seasoned spiritual counsellor and monk at ISKCON Chowpatty, Mumbai, for 16 years, is a disciple of renowned spiritual leader Radhanath Swami. As the author of five bestsellers, including A Monk’s Almanac and Icons Of Grace, he aims to guide people, especially the youth, towards purposeful and fulfilling lives. With insightful sessions globally, he simplifies ancient wisdom from texts like the Bhagavad Gita, resonating across diverse age groups. Coming from an army background, his unexpected journey led him to spiritual leadership, creating a vibrant spiritual community in Mumbai and beyond.
In Conversation with Nityanand Charan Das
1. Can you share your journey towards becoming a monk and what inspired you to dedicate your life to spiritual practice at the Sri Sri Radha Gopinath temple?
My journey toward becoming a monk is filled with experiences that shaped my life in unexpected ways. I was born into an army family in a small village in Himachal Pradesh. My dream was always to become an army officer, influenced by my father and grandfather’s service. From a young age, I had recurring visions of wearing saffron robes and becoming a sadhu, but I brushed them aside, focusing instead on my ambition to join the army.
After excelling academically, I prepared intensely for the NDA entrance exams. During the interview, something inexplicable happened—I found myself lying about a command task I struggled with, despite knowing honesty was crucial. This happened twice, and I was rejected. Devastated, I didn’t understand why my lifelong dream had slipped away.
After some time, I began studying engineering in Baramati, where I encountered a bus with the words “ISKCON” on it. A seminar on “The Secret to Happiness” was announced at my college, and I felt an inexplicable pull to attend, despite my usual preference for cricket. That seminar was the turning point that led me to explore spirituality.
As I delved deeper into the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, I began having profound spiritual experiences. One day, while singing a Keerthana, I felt a force physically move me from a path where I later learned my friend had fallen and injured himself. I realised then that there was a higher power guiding me.
My desires, like becoming an army officer and other material ambitions, faded. I felt no need to pursue them, despite being given opportunities to do so. The most transformative experience came when I received a box of spiritual books. As I read them, I felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity, as if I had known those teachings all my life. For days, I chanted with tears streaming down my face, realising my true calling.
In 2006, I completed my engineering degree and gained work experience as required before starting monk training at the Sri Sri Radha Gopinath temple. In 2007, I officially left my previous life behind to become a monk.
Convincing my family, especially my father, was challenging, but I had faith that surrendering to God would take care of everything. Over time, my family found their paths, and I realised that my true family had expanded to the thousands of people I now serve.
Through my journey, I’ve learned that life is a series of trials, but with faith and connection to Krishna, adversities can become opportunities, and curses can turn into blessings. My mission now is to share this wisdom with others, helping them find shelter in Krishna and transforming their struggles into spiritual growth.
2. How do modern individuals who are often caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life integrate ancient wisdom into their lives?
Incorporating ancient wisdom into our modern, fast-paced lives can be achieved through what I call the “ABCD” of spiritual life. This approach serves as a foundational guide to embedding spirituality into our daily routines:
- A is for Association: Just as we thrive in the company of like-minded people, regularly associating with those who share spiritual wisdom is essential. This practice keeps us grounded and inspired, even if it’s just once a week.
- B is for Books: The study of scriptures such as the Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, and Srimad Bhagavatam provides invaluable guidance for life. Even dedicating just 15 minutes a day, or half an hour every alternate day, can sharpen our intellect and help us make better decisions in life.
- C is for Chanting: Chanting the holy names, mainly Lord Krishna’s, is a primary spiritual practice for this age. Incorporating a daily routine of chanting a fixed number of rounds can significantly elevate our spiritual consciousness.
- D is for Diet: What we consume affects not just our body but also our mind and spirit. Offering our food to the Lord before we eat becomes a karma-free, sanctified meal. If you find it challenging to offer everything, start with something simple like fruits, nuts, or milk. The purity of our food directly influences our inner peace and happiness.
By following this ABCD method—associating weekly, studying spiritual texts, chanting daily, and consuming sanctified food—we can seamlessly integrate ancient wisdom into our modern lives.
3. Could you elaborate on some of the fundamental teachings you believe are essential for spiritual growth and self-discovery?
One of the most crucial aspects of spiritual growth that people often overlook is the need to practice spirituality under the guidance of a bona fide Guru. Many individuals perform worship at home or visit temples, but often without proper direction. Just as we seek out teachers for education, coaches for sports, or dieticians for health, spiritual guidance requires a knowledgeable and experienced teacher—a Guru.
In this age of information, even with all the knowledge available online through platforms like Google or ChatGPT, we still send our children to schools because we recognise the importance of a teacher. Spirituality is no different. The Guru serves as a spiritual guide who can align our desires, purify our intentions, and provide the wisdom needed to avoid future suffering.
Without a Guru, our spiritual practice may lack direction and authenticity. The Guru is the one who holds our hand and helps us navigate the spiritual path, ensuring that what we are doing is correct and beneficial. In essence, without a Guru, spirituality can become an illusion—a way of fooling ourselves rather than genuinely progressing.
Therefore, accepting and following the guidance of a bona fide Guru is the most essential principle for anyone serious about spiritual growth and self-discovery. The Guru not only guides us but also transforms our spiritual journey into a meaningful and fruitful endeavour.
4. What are some common challenges people face on their spiritual journey, and how do you advise overcoming them?
One of the most common challenges on a spiritual journey is distraction, especially in the current age, known as Kali Yuga—the age of distractions. People often find themselves easily sidetracked, and when it comes to spirituality, there’s a tendency towards laziness. This contrasts sharply with the energy and focus they exhibit when pursuing personal enjoyment or worldly goals.
Another challenge is the decline in intellectual capacity compared to previous yugas, which makes it harder for individuals to grasp and apply spiritual teachings on their own. This is why having a guru, a spiritual guide, is crucial. A guru instils discipline in our lives, guiding us away from whims and fancies that can lead us astray.
The word “disciple” is rooted in the word “discipline.” It implies doing what is right, even when we don’t like it. Without the guidance of a guru, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of undisciplined living. The guru provides the structure and wisdom needed to overcome these challenges. By staying under the guidance of a spiritual mentor, we can navigate and transcend these limitations, allowing us to grow on our spiritual path with grace and purpose.
5. In today’s world, how can one effectively balance material pursuits with spiritual goals without compromising on either?
To balance material pursuits with spiritual goals, I often refer to the wisdom of Socrates: “Work hard as if everything depends on you, and pray hard as if everything depends on God.” This philosophy underscores the importance of diligently fulfilling our material duties while also dedicating time to spiritual practices.
Much like maintaining physical health requires regular exercise, spiritual well-being also demands consistent effort. When someone wants to stay fit, they don’t spend the entire day in the gym—they exercise for an hour or so and then carry the benefits of that session throughout their day. Similarly, if we can dedicate a focused period in the morning—perhaps one to one and a half hours—to spiritual activities such as chanting, prayer, scriptural study, or worship, it can set the tone for the rest of the day.
This morning practice acts as a spiritual foundation, ensuring that we remain aligned with the principles outlined in sacred texts. As a result, we maintain good spiritual health throughout the day, enhancing our focus, efficiency, and effectiveness in worldly responsibilities. By making this small yet significant effort each morning, we can balance our material and spiritual lives without compromising.
Embark on a transformative journey with SoulSensei, where the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita comes to life with the teachings of Nityanand Charan Das, which you can explore on our website.
